Connecticut Hill State Wildlife Management Area

Overview

Connecticut Hill offers recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, picnicking, snowshoeing & XC skiing. The Finger Lakes Hiking Trail a part of the Finger Lakes Trail, a 550 mile hiking trail, runs through Connecticut Hill. The many miles of town roads offer good opportunities for mountain biking. Since Connecticut Hill is a Wildlife Management Area, activities not generally compatible with wildlife, such as off road vehicular travel, are prohibited. A few of the prohibited activities include: off road vehicular travel (such as snowmobiles, motorcycles, all terrain vehicles), swimming, and boating with motors.
In the late 1700's the native American peoples were driven out of the Connecticut Hill area by George Washington's troops. After the American Revolution, many soldiers returned to the area to settle and farm. In these higher elevations, the harsh climate and shallow soil conditions were not conducive to successful farming and from about 1900 on much of this land was abandoned. Shortly thereafter, New York State acquired almost 10,000 acres of the Hill for use as a game refuge. Since that time, Connecticut Hill has been the site of many experimental programs and studies designed to gain insight into the habits and needs of wildlife species. The Connecticut Hill ruffed grouse study (1930 - 1942) is still considered one of the classic studies on the species. As part of the Appalachian Highlands, Connecticut Hill lies within a belt of high, rugged land. Since this is one of the highest points in the area, panoramas can be viewed from atop the Hill to the surrounding lowlands. Throughout the area there are numerous streams and ponds. Many of the ponds were built between 1948 and 1950 to attract waterfowl. These water bodies have since become popular with other wildlife species. Beaver have also added to the ponded area, benefiting reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and birds.
The mature forest on the Area consists of American beech, maple, and hemlock; areas of oak and pine are also present. Open meadows, fields and stands of evergreen are scattered throughout the area. With so much diversity of habitats, there is also a variety of wildlife. The white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey, cottontail rabbit, beaver, mink, muskrat, grey squirrel, red and grey fox, eastern coyote, waterfowl and numerous species of small mammals and songbirds are residents of the Hill

More information on http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9331.html

Ecotourism & Sustainability Map
updated 03/2012 by Ithaca - Tompkins County NY